A.R.C. EMBEZZLEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1547, 31 August 1905, Page 2

A.R.C. EMBEZZLEMENT.

DAWSON PLEADS GUILTY.

SENTENCE DEFERRED.

{Per Press AsßociatfoaO'' Auckland, last night. The late accountant of the Auokland Racing Club, Percy A. Dawson was charged this afternoon in the Polioe Court with having stolen the sum of £2938, the money of the Club. Accused was arrested at Fiji on a warrant.'; i ... ,■ " William Peroival, secretary of the Auckland Racing Club, 1 ’ gave evidence that aooused’s duties were to keep the books anl accounts, paying into the bank from 1 day to day. His salary was £l5O per, annum. The principal Bouroes of the' , Club’s revenue were tolalisator'receipts, gate receipts, and foes of various kinds. Accused handled a fair portion of these amounts. Some time ago witness made an attempt to chock the accounts, but the auditor would not allow him to do much with the books. Witness Baid he knew accused had two sisters depending upon, him, one of whom was a ohronio invalid. The amount of money passing through accused’s hands would bo verv likely from £40,000 to £50,000 annually. The report from the CluD’s auditor, R. E. Isaacs, submitted to the ohairman and committee of the Auckland Racing Club on July 81, was produced by the solicitor for defenoe. In it ocourred the following paragraph: •• The books have been kept in [ a neat and most satisfactory and thoroughly I up-to-date style, Dawson, the accountant, having given mo every assistance in the performance of my auditorial duties.” William Henry Ohurton introduced his reports upon an audit of the Club’s books, ana stated that they disclosed a total deficiency of £2938. Acoused pleated guilty, and was committed for sentence. Bail was allowed and forthcoming, himself in £IOOO and two sureties of £IOOO each.